He also said that his force had tried to help plug funding gaps for vital services that had run out of money in order to help victims of domestic violence. Mr Simmonds added that better use was being made of Domestic Violence Protection Orders. These are relatively new powers that were introduced to enable the police to put in place protection for the victim in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident. Under DVPOs, the perpetrator can be prevented from returning to a residence and from having contact with the victim for up to 28 days, allowing the victim a level of breathing space to consider their options, with the help of a support agency.

Head of Safeguarding Superintendent Steve Lingley said that, in his 30 years as a police officer the way in which domestic violence was treated had completely changed, but acknowledged there was still work to do. He said: “We have managed to go from getting two DVPOs per month, to getting about 15 per month.

“We have only had three that the magistrates have not been able to grant. In 20 months we’ve had 14 breaches.

“It’s encouraging. It shows we’re targeting the right people, enforcing the DVPOs and keeping the victims safe.

“It’s been a monumental journey but we still have a long way to go.

The meeting was also told that the force makes use of its powers to take abusers to court even when the victims do not want to continue with the case, when officers feel it is in the best interests of the victim and will protect them from future harm.

Supt Lingley also added that the force had seen significant increases in the number of men coming forward to report domestic abuse.

If you are a female victim of domestic abuse in Northamptonshire, you can access help from Northants Women’s Aid or if you are a male victim, there is help on offer from the Men’s Advice Line

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